HI yall. Great forum. I just graduated from a mim to an american special. All i can say is wow. This is a pure pleasure to play. Thank you all for the great info thats in this forum.

Congratulations! They are great guitars...now lets see some pics!

Ryan

Just curious... did you notice any substantial difference in the fret size? Most modern Strats come with medium jumbo frets, but the Special specs say actual "jumbo" frets. Any thoughts? I'm not sure if I've ever seen actual jumbo frets...

I have an American Special HSS as well as a Fender Standard Strat. There is a difference between the fret size. The fret wire is definitely thicker which makes the fret wider and taller. It's not an enormous difference.

What I have noticed since I purchased it is that I was pressing on the strings too hard. Just pressing harder with these frets will change the pitch of the note a little. It has actually been helpful for my guitar playing to learn to play with a lighter left hand touch.

I went to Guitar centers and played the special before I purcased it. I had read a ton of stuff on it and did a try before you buy. The frets are considerably larger than my mim strat. It took a little getting used to but an hour or so later i was fine. Playing with them is easier. Light touch seams to be key. ill shoot some photos of her tonight.

I bought 2 Am. Special sss Strats this past December.... a C.A.R. and a 2-tone sunburst.

6 months later they still blow me away every time I play 'em! Nice low action, smooth feel amd easy playing, beautiful Strat tone... and gorgeous looks.

I'm mainly a Les Paul guy but I love these two Strats!! I hope to never part with 'em!

I keep thinking that if I find a red one used I'll pick one up. They are sweet looking and sounding!